Automatic reel



-Nov.18,1924. 1,515,960

B. P. METTRAS AUTOMATIC REEL Filed April 1, 1924 gwuentoz I m Maw 66M IEltboanm Patented Nov. 18, 1924.

BELLE PARKS METER-118, 01 DE BEQUE, COLORADO.

AUTOMATIC REEL.

Application filled April 1,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BELLE PARKs Mirr- TRAS, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing at De Beque, in the county of Mesa and State ofColorado, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in AutomaticReels, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to an automatic reeling device.

More particularly the invention relates to an automatic reeling deviceof small size, and adapted for use inreeling and unreeling spectaclefastening chains, small tape measures, and like uses where a simple,reliable, sturdy and compact arrangement of parlts which may be cheaplymanufactured is highly desirable.

Although small reels designed to meet the demand for such uses have beenprovided, these devices rely on spiral or helical springs andcomplicated ratchet mechanisms, more or less unsatisfactory inoperation.

The present invention has for its objects the provision of a reelingdevice in which a more reliable, simplified, and compact ratchetmechanism is provided.

Other objects are such as may be attained by utilization of themechanisms and principles hereinafter set forth.

Referring to the drawings Fig. 1 is an enlarged side elevation of apreferred form of reel with the cover removed.

Fig 2 is a sectional View taken along line A-A of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the assembled reel in its case. I

Fig. 4 is a fragmental view showing the ratchet pawl structure.

The preferred form of mechanism comprises a case 1, with a cover 2fastened thereto by screw threads or in any convenient manner. Rotatablymlounted in holes formed in case 1 and cover 2 is a spindle 3 upon whichspacing shoulders 4 may be formed. Rigidlysecured' to and rotatable withspindle 3 is a drum 5 and a drive pinion 6. Pinion 6 is in engagementwith a segmental toothed rack 7 pivotally mounted at 8 in a block 9which in turn is secured to case 1 in any convenient manner. Fastened toblock 9 is a fiat spring 10 which is slidably linked to rack 7 by a loopor hook connec tion 12 in such manner that as pinion 6 rotates anddrives rack 7 about its pivot, to

1924. Serial No. 703,370. p

the left in Fig. 1, spring 10 will be deflected and stressed. I

Secured to drum 5 is a ratchet wheel 13, with the teeth of which aretaining pawl tooth 14, secured to a relatively stiff spring roove 21is formed in drum 5, in which the chain, tape or cord 22 to be reeledand unreeled is wound. One end of 22 is secured to the drum 5 and theother end thereof is passed through an opening 23 in case 2. A securingpin 24 fastened to the back of case 1 may be provided so that the casemay be conveniently pinned to a garment.

In operation the chain or cord 22 is fully reeled in the position ofparts shown in Fig. 1. To unreel or change the length thereof extendingout through opening 23, a pull is exerted on 22. This causes drum 5 torotate, unwinding 22 and rotating pinion 6 to drive rack 7 to the leftin Fig. 1, about its pivot 8, in this manner stressing spring 10. As thedrum rotates, pawl 14 will snap over the teeth of ratchet 13 and whenthe pull on 22 is removed, the parts will be prevented from restoringunder the influence of spring 10, by engagement of pawl 14 with aratchet tooth. It will be seen that in this manner any desired length of22 may be drawn out of the case and will remain out until pawl 14 isreleased. To shorten the length of 22 outside of the case, member 19 isdepressed and member 17 will push pawl 14 out of engagement with theratchet teeth. Spring 10 will then force segment 7 Ito the right in Fig.1, driving drum 5 through pinion 6 and shaft 3 to wind 22 on the reel aslong as 1 member 19 is held depressed or until the position of partsshown in Fig. 1 has been reassumed.

Having described a preferred embodiment of my invention, what is desiredto be secured by Letters Paltent and clalnied as new is:

1. In an automlatic reeling device, a drum,

an internal toothed ratchet wheel secured to said drum, a releasing pawlcoacting with said drum and carried by a fiat spring memher, and areleasing push rod coactlng with said fiat spring to force sald pawlinward-toward the center of said drum to release said ratchet wheel.

2. An automatic reeling device comprising a casing; a drum rotatablysupported in said casing; a ratchet mechanism controlling said drum; apinion rotatable with said drum; a segmental toothed ra'ck meshing withsaid pinion and pivotally supported in said casing; a flat leaf springhaving one BELLE PARKS METTRAS.

